1990 BMW 316 vs. 1989 Mazda 323
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda 323 (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 2 kg more than 1989 Mazda 323.
Because 1990 BMW 316 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1990 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Mazda 323, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1989 Mazda 323 (164 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1989 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1078 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2510 mm |
